Climate shocks are altering ecosystems across Africa and creating new pathways for disease. In Bazua, in Ghana's Upper East region, farmer Martin Ariku describes a season of failed expectations. For more than 20 years he supplied improved seeds to smallholder farmers. This year drought came early, and then intense short rainstorms drowned surviving plants. Yields fell to as low as five 100-kilogram bags per acre for maize, rice, cowpea, soybean and sorghum, compared with the usual 15. Even a sorghum variety introduced by SNV Ghana failed to survive the rapid swings.
Crop losses also affect future planting because grain that fails to mature cannot be used as seed. Warmer nights and changing rainfall have helped pests such as Fall Armyworm to spread. A CABI survey found that almost all farmers questioned in Ghana and Zambia said their maize crops had been infected; farmers reported large average losses. CABI also estimates major annual maize losses in both countries.
Scientists warn that higher temperatures speed pest metabolism and reproduction, letting pests expand their range. Shauna Richards at the International Livestock Research Institute says new pools of stagnant water from heavier rains create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Floods can mix sewage with drinking water and raise the risk of cholera. In the Ashanti region some families report hotter nights and more malaria, and new mosquito species have appeared in cities. Public-health experts say clinics need stronger buildings, reliable electricity and better vaccine systems as the climate crisis progresses.
Difficult words
- ecosystem — All living things and their environment togetherecosystems
- smallholder — A farmer who owns or manages a small farm
- drought — A long period with very little or no rain
- yield — The amount of crop produced on landYields
- sorghum — A type of cereal grain used for food
- stagnant — Not moving; water that stays in one place
- cholera — A disease caused by infected water and sewage
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might changing rainfall and early drought affect farmers in your region?
- What can local clinics do to prepare for more climate-related health problems?
- Have you noticed new pests or more mosquitoes after heavy rains? How did that affect people or crops?
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